So the day before our visit to Epon/Endo in Tsubame Sanjyo, my wife and I decided to stay at a Ryokan in Yahiko village. We took the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) early in the morning to Tsubame Sanjyo where we ate the famous Hegi Soba. We then transfered to Yahiko Village, a very small quaint town on a mountain side known for it's onsen (natural baths) and shrine. We stayed at Dairoku, a very reasonable Ryokan (Japanese Inn) with a private onsen. It was a family run Ryokan and they were all very friendly and the food was simply awesome. We took the time to walk the town which was very small. It began snowing very hard for a period of time (Niigata) is known for having lots of snow unlike the Kanto area.

Yahiko Shrine is located on the east foot of Mt. Yahiko that is stood in the Echigo plains. Its worship of the God "Amenokagoyama-no-mikoto" is a great grand son of the Goddess "Amaterasu-oomikamni." According to the legend, he was sent to Yahiko area by the Emperor Kanmu to teach people how to grow rice, harvest fish, and produce salt. So, he was also called the father god of Echigo exploitation. Some legends associated with Amenokagoyama-no-mikoto have found in Manyo-shu, A Collection of a Myriad Leaves, which could be an evidence of the legend goes back more than 1,300 years ago. Yahiko Shrine's treasure house has many important cultural properties to exhibit, such as one of the longest swords "Shidano-ootachi," and some gifts from Minamoto Yoshiie and Uesugi Kenshin. On the top of Mt. Yahiko, there is Goshinbyo (a burial place) for Amenokagoyama-no-mikoto and his wife goddess. From the summit of the mountain, you have a glorious view. You can enjoy the pastorals landscape of Echigo and the Sea of Japan at the same time. The shrine is also known for its chrysanthemum festival in November. Turning colors can be seen at places of lower altitude during this month.

After our walk around Yahiko we headed back to Dairoku to enjoy the private onsen on the rooftop looking over Yahiko village. It was of course very relaxing. With my wife being Japanese, I've grown accustomed to having baths and this one was simply great! Nothing like taking a bath in 3C weather overlooking a snow covered mountain! I guess people from the west can relate it to being in the hot tub at a ski resort except the water in an onsen is from the natural hot springs. After the onsen, a full course traditional kaiseki dinner was served in our room. The food just kept coming. A bit of everything and a truly wonderful experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Niigata area.